This Night in Beijing

August 8, 2008 1 Comment



A magnificent night indeed!

888 marks a very special date in Chinese’s 5000-year history. Like its auspicious numeric characters, the Olympic Logo symbolizes the unity of the 5 continents – instilling virtue, respect, peace, glory, equality, compassion, unity and grace to all citizens of the world. Tonight, China not only opened its door to the world…but she also opened her heart to many.

I have had great expectation of tonight’s Olympic Opening Ceremony and China didn’t disappoint me. Zhang Yimou did such a fantastic job! It is awesome! The cultural performance is beautiful, enchanting and spectacular! It shows a China in transition – from its great ancient inventions to its modern achievements. The theme song "You and Me", performed by Sarah Brightman of Britain
and Liu Huan of China atop the Globe is touching. It demonstrates China’s willingness to embrace the world as one "big family".

Being a Chinese, I understood the "face value" of a host nation. While the world took on this global stage and threw wet blankets at the Chinese, her people stood strong as a nation. That is certainly remarkable. Despite the recent ugly PR (of bomb scare, Tibet riots and human rights issue), I feel Chinese displayed much better grace and tolerance than its ugly superpower counterparts and self-righteous individuals.

It was a memorable night. Not about its mega-buildings and big fireworks. Or the medal tally. But the grace, humbleness and openness that China displayed. Every iconic display signified important message to the world. Conveying Confucian idea of humanism, that is, "Harmony is precious" – the thousands blossoms of peach blossoms romantically demonstrates the good wishes of the
peace-loving Chinese people. Chinese’s 800 year-old martial art "Taiji" connects the balance between man and nature.

China is a compassionate nation who didn’t forget those who suffered in the recent disaster – Yao Ming walked into the parade
with a 9-year old boy beside him – he is the survivor and young hero
who rescued many of his schoolmates during the Sichuan earthquake – enduring his own injuries.

Despite her superpower status and unprecedented economic success, China pays tribute to her past. True to its rich Chinese values and virtues, China honored many of her past sport stars. Retired sportsman, Li Ning (age 45, more commonly known as the "Prince of Gymnastics" and his Nike-lookalike "Li Ning Sports Shops") took the centrestage last night. Defying gravity, Li Ning ran horizontally around the stadium and lighted up the flame cauldron! (Man, like the flying stunts you see in Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons)

At that moment, the TV commentators exclaimed in awe "China is finally ready for the world".

I disagree and I questioned, "When will the world be ready for China?"

The foundation of our world is not built on the heritage laid by our forefathers but on the legacy of our children. The leaders of China clearly understood this.

As wise Calvin said "Fear not the power of the rich but the hunger of the poor." Respect China. Honor China. Do not fear China.

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

48 hours to Beijing Olympic

August 6, 2008 Leave a comment

(Photo taken: Outdoor Media by VISA at HK Station)

Filed under Life in Hong Kong

My 1st Number 8 Typhoon

August 6, 2008 Leave a comment

 

"Typhoon Watching" is my new object of interest now. For the first time of my life, I get to "see, hear and feel" a Typhoon Number 8. One thing about typhoon – Beside the very big wind, the weather is very very unstable. The sun, rain and wind come and go in a very unpredictable manner. At one minute, you see clear sky. The next, the rain poured so heavy that you can’t see what’s opposite. The sea water turned colours – dark blue to green to grey. It is like watching Mother Nature doing her own Colours Symphony.
I am now typing this blog at home – it is Warning Sign Number 8 (so no work for the moment). My clients from Malaysia are stranded at their hotel. We called each other this morning at 8am to postpone our 11am meeting. Like myself, my Malaysian counterpart is clueless about the "whats and ifs". We are all waiting for the Typhoon to be downgraded before deciding when to meet.
The warning signs came yesterday. At 12pm, there were signboards at our lift lobby displaying "T1". When I went home last night, the signboards displayed "T3". This characters appeared on their TV (like our NS mobilisation icon). This morning at 8am, it displayed "T8" (so it means no work! ~ or it means work even later tonight!).

 

Naming a Typhoon – Fun facts:

Before 2000, most typhoons were named by those meteorlogists who identified them. Usually, they named it after their wives, girlfriends or mothers. (I guess the rough weather reminds them of their female counterparts!) Luckily for all the ladies, as of 1st Jan 2000, the members of WMO Typhoon Committee (nations and cities) contribute generic names for all the future typhoon. Through a roster-format, the meteorlogists have a standard naming guideline what to name the next typhoon. It is no longer "personal names" – you find names of flower, animals in different languages.

If you look at the roster (for North Pacific Regions only) below, you be able to know what’s the name of the next typhoon. (So, it is Typhoon Kanmuri now).

Contributing Nation

Names

Cambodia

Damrey

Kong-rey

Nakri

Krovanh

Sarika

China

Haijui

Yutu

Fengshen

Dujuan

Haima

DPR Korea

Kirogi

Toraji

Kalmaegi

Mujigae

Meari

Hong Kong, China

Kai-Tak

Man-yi

Fung-wong

Choi-wan

Ma-on

Japan

Tembin

Usagi

Kanmuri

Koppu

Tokage

Lao PDR

Bolaven

Pabuk

Phanfone

Ketsana

Nock-ten

Macau

Sanba

Wutip

Vongfong

Parma

Muifa

Malaysia

Jelawat

Sepat

Nuri

Melor

Merbok

Micronesia

Ewinlar

Fitow

Sinlaku

Nepartak

Nanmadol

Philippines

Malaksi

Danas

Hagupit

Lupit

Talas

RO Korea

Gaemi

Nari

Jangmi

Mirinae

Noru

Thailand

Prapiroon

Wipha

Mekkhala

Nida

Kulap

U.S.A.

Maria

Francisco

Higos

Omais

Roke

Vietnam

Son-Tinh

Lekima

Bavi

Conson

Sonca

Cambodia

Bopha

Krosa

Maysak

Chanthu

Nesat

China

Wukong

Haiyan

Haishen

Dianmu

Haitang

DPR Korea

Sonamu

Podul

Noul

Mindule

Nalgae

Hong Kong, China

Shanshan

Lingling

Dolphin

Lionrock

Banyan

Japan

Yagi

Kajiki

Kujira

Kompasu

Washi

Lao PDR

Leepi

Faxai

Chan-hom

Namtheun

Pakhar

Macau

Bebinca

Peipan

Linfa

Malou

Sanvu

Malaysia

Rumbia

Tapah

Nangka

Meranti

Mawar

Micronesia

Soulik

Mitag

Soudelor

Fanapi

Guchol

Philippines

Cimaron

Hagibis

Molave

Malakas

Talim

RO Korea

Jebi

Neoguri

Goni

Megi

Doksuri

Thailand

Mankhut

Rammasun

Morakot

Chaba

Khanun

U.S.A.

Utor

Matmo

Etau

Aere

Vicete

Vietnam

Trami

Halong

Vamco

Songda

Saola

Too bad, Singapore isn’t on this list (and we know why). If we are ever on this list, you will find names like Typhoon Kiasu, Typhoon PCK, Typhoon Ah Beng, Typhoon Raffles, Typhoon LiuLian, Typhoon Ninabeh, Typhoon CheeHong, Typhoon Laksa and my favourite "Typhoon PAP".

Filed under Life in Hong Kong

“The Days” Movie – Boi is in Town!

July 27, 2008 Leave a comment

 

UPDATED (3rd August) – Director Boi (our 3rd Visitor) is in town this week for his movie post-production. Mr FancyPant Randy sent a couple of messages to me – making sure that I won’t missed out Boi’s number. (Yes…I didn’t miss him…we met!) Tracy and I met up with Boi and Winston for a short lunch today in Hong Kong. (Time is too short for us to smuggle him to Macau). We had congee and wantun noodles at IFC. It was good catching up the old times with all the "lao bengs" of Temasek. Until today, I am still puzzled how Boi is able to click with Randy and Christina. One is a "hokkien beng" and the others belong to the "ang moh" gang. Boi described it the "ang moh gang" best – he calls them the "Far East Kids". 

Still, it was a very "insightful" lunch. I got to know a lot more updates about the other friends. The Temasek friends are leading very interesting lives out there. And a couple of updates moved me. Thankfully, Boi is still the same (except putting on some weight – he is still the candid funny old Ah Beng of yesterday…and Winston as "arty" as ever… he shed some kilos and sported a nice hairdo. Coincidently, we just found out that we all worked at the same area in Central. 

Boi’s movie "The Days" (Rating NC16) will be screened islandwide (at Golden Village) in early Sept. Just heard that a couple of friends are specially flying back just to catch its premiere. (Boi promised us DVD with his "signature"). In desperation, I am still pestering him for a 1-minute XXX role in his future art movies.

We sure be seeing more of the crew… Randy, you coming hor?

 

My Temasek pals – Randy and Boi’s movie "The Days" is finally completed and it will be screened this Sept 08!
Check out their new movie here! (Click to play!)

For more info: goto – http://www.thedaysmovie.com/

  http://static.ning.com/thedays/widgets/video/flvplayer/flvplayer.swf?v=3.4.4:6369   

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Exclusive Lane!

July 27, 2008 Leave a comment

 
I always wanted to do this! It is like fulfilling one of my childhood’s fantasy (pranks) without anyone one telling me off! That is – to walk down the bowling lane and come face to face with the pins. Like a small kid, I ran down the lane with my camera – jumping and hopping along the marked lane! It is so fantastic to have your own "private bowling alley" – I was "pig-walking" down the lane and Elkan was rolling on the carpet! For that short 2-hour, we (Sandy and son were here too!) had all the fun! The price is very reasonable – it only cost us S$50 to book this room for 2 hours! 4 of us each played 4 matches! Surely, this is one of the my preferred facilities in our house clubhouse – certainly not the gym and the running track.

p/s (Sorry, Joanne, we forgot to explore the clubhouse during your short stay! This is really fun! Gareth, when you are here in August, allow me to roll your son down the lane! It is not oily. Socks not provided.)

f

 

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Macau Venice

July 27, 2008 Leave a comment

I was in Macau 3 days ago (on a 6-hour "market-visit" assignment). After the visit, we had lunch at a nearby casino. It is huge, majstic and beautiful. Got to come back here again with my family and friends. (Well…It is super tempting..no, I didn’t gamble).

 
 

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Water Boy!

July 20, 2008 Leave a comment




(Photo Taken: At our club-house this morning – Elkan in his usual pranks) 

Filed under Family

Dazzling Saturday

July 20, 2008 Leave a comment




Yesterday, I brought Felicia, Elkan and Tracy to Tsim Sha Tsui to see the 8pm HK "Laser Show". Sandy and son (just came back from their London trip) came to join us too. Before the laser show, Sandy gave us a quick tour at their "pet street" and "night market" (which is not temple street and woman street – but looks similar to me.) Mum and Aunty Amy will love this place – there are so many "night markets" like this in Hong Kong. These markets are by far bigger and longer than those in Taipei and Shanghai. The prices? Cheap and good.

 

Knowing we wanted to see the laser show, Sandy (a very thoughtful friend) specially reserved a big table for us (window seats, overlooking Hong Kong Island) at "The Pier – Habitu". Sitting inside the air-con restaurant, we avoided the humid, hot 32-degree breeze outside. Elkan was so excited and kept screaming during the laser show. He definitely gave us away – his screams made us looked like "tourists". I was guilty too, I was busy snapping photos of the laser show outside.

The desserts were great. I can’t remember their names but it is worth going back for more. Elkan ate a "chocolate spoon" and daddy took care of the scoop.When it was time to say "goodbye", Elkan was sad. He insisted Sandy and son to go home with him – so they can see his "new house and club-house". With such sincere invitation, Sandy and son couldn’t say no. They will pop by our house next Sat.


 

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0824 on Fire!

July 20, 2008 1 Comment



My mum-in-law called us on Friday night. A big fire started just outside her door (at the common refuse chute). Within minutes, all the neighbors rushed out and contained the fire. It must be hard for my mum-in-law (She just recovered from her bus accident in Malacca and now this fire shock…) The good thing is no one is hurt and we didn’t suffered any property damage. (Here are the photos Chups took the next day.)

Filed under Family

Stormy Week

July 20, 2008 Leave a comment

It has been stormy and windy over the last 10 days in this part of the world – Typhoon seasons. I have just caught myself in action – traveling to Taipei on Friday – during the same time Typhoon Kalmaegi hit Taiwan. Surprisingly, the flight wasn’t as bad as I expected. Still, the landing was dreadful and unbearable. For the first time in my life, I saw lightning within the clouds on the plane. It was really bright and "sparky". And never I heard rain beating so hard on the outer shell of the air-craft. It was a nervous 5-minute decent.

Over in Hong Kong, the past week was wet and stormy. It is a frightening sight during stormy nights. We have never seen such "bright lightning". The rainy clouds can be so low and thick…like the movie "Fog". (Photo taken from Elkan’s bed – at 2am).

Filed under Life in Hong Kong

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